Method and apparatus for a basketball and golf game

ABSTRACT

A method of playing a game including the steps of arranging at least one marker on a surface into a configuration, counting the number of strokes from the first marker including shooting a ball at a substantially cylindrical hoop from the first marker, shooting the ball from a rebounded location if the shot from the first marker is missed, shooting the ball from the first marker if the ball bounces out of bounds on the missed shot, continuing to shoot the ball until a shot is made, wherein each shot counts as one stroke, and totaling the number of strokes from the at least one marker for a total number of strokes for the configuration.

I. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of Invention

This invention pertains generally to games and more specifically togames played on a basketball court, or anywhere there is a hoop.

B. Description of the Related Art

It is well known to play basketball on a basketball court and golf on agolf course. Each respective game has its rules, equipment, and methodof scoring. In basketball, typically, the high score is the winner;however, in golf, typically the low score is the winner.

It is also known to play different types of shooting games on thebasketball court to improve shooting skills. These games include“twenty-one”, “horse”, and “around the world” among others. Each ofthese games has their own scoring methods.

Therefore, what is needed is a method and apparatus for improvingshooting skills on a basketball court using the scoring of golf.

II. SUMMARY

According to one embodiment of this invention, a method of playing agame includes the steps of: (A) arranging at least one marker on asurface into a configuration; (B) counting the number of strokes fromthe first marker comprising:

shooting a ball at a substantially cylindrical hoop from the firstmarker; shooting the ball from one of a rebounded location, a layuplocation, and a predetermined location, if the shot from the firstmarker is missed; shooting the ball from the first marker if the ballbounces out of bounds on the missed shot; continuing to shoot the balluntil a shot is made, wherein each shot counts as one stroke; (C)totaling the number of strokes from the at least one marker for a totalnumber of strokes for the configuration. The method may includearranging at least two markers, three markers, four markers, or fivemarkers on the surface into the configuration. The method may furtherinclude (D) rearranging the at least one marker on the surface into asecond configuration and repeating step (B) through step (C) for thesecond configuration.

According to another embodiment of this invention, a method of playing agame includes the steps of: (A) arranging a plurality of markers on asurface into a configuration, wherein the plurality of markers comprisesat least a first marker and a second marker; (B) counting the number ofstrokes from the first marker comprising: shooting a ball at asubstantially cylindrical hoop from the first marker; shooting the ballfrom one of a rebounded location, a layup location, and a predeterminedlocation, if the shot from the first marker is missed; shooting the ballfrom the first marker if the ball bounces out of bounds on the missedshot; continuing to shoot the ball until a shot is made, wherein eachshot counts as one stroke; (C) counting the number of strokes from thesecond marker comprising: shooting a ball at a substantially cylindricalhoop from the second marker; shooting the ball from one of a reboundedlocation, a layup location, and a predetermined location, if the shotfrom the second marker is missed; shooting the ball from the secondmarker if the ball bounces out of bounds on the missed shot; continuingto shoot the ball until a shot is made, wherein each shot counts as onestroke; (D) totaling the number of strokes from the first and secondmarkers for a total number of strokes for the configuration. The methodmay also include (E) rearranging the plurality of markers on the surfaceinto a second configuration and repeating step (B) through step (D) forthe second configuration. The method may include predicting a type ofshot from the first marker before taking a first shot from the firstmarker, wherein when the predicted type of shot matches the first shottaken, then the total number of strokes for the configuration is onestroke and the configuration is finished. The method may includepredicting a type of shot from the first marker before taking a firstshot from the first marker, wherein when the predicted type of shot doesnot match the first shot, but the first shot is made, then the shooterrecords the score of one stroke for the first marker. The type of shotmay include a bank shot and a nothing but net shot. A “bank shot” is ashot that is aimed at a spot on a backboard so that it caroms, or“banks”, into a basket or hoop. A “nothing but net shot” is a shot thatgoes through a hoop without touching the hoop or backboard. Theplurality of markers may be arranged according to a first scorecarddiagram. The game may include eighteen configurations of the pluralityof markers arranged according to eighteen scorecard diagrams, andwherein step (A) through step (D) is repeated for each configuration.The plurality of markers may include of three markers, four markers, andfive markers.

According to another embodiment of this invention, a method of playing agame includes the steps of: (A) arranging a plurality of markers on asurface into a configuration, wherein the plurality of markers comprisesat least a first marker, a second marker, and a third marker; (B)counting the number of strokes from the first marker comprising:predicting a type of shot from the first marker before taking a firstshot from the first marker, shooting a ball at a substantiallycylindrical hoop from the first marker, wherein when the predicted typeof shot matches the first shot taken, the total number of strokes forthe configuration is one stroke and the configuration is finished;shooting the ball from one of a rebounded location, a layup location,and a predetermined location, if the shot from the first marker ismissed; shooting the ball from the first marker if the ball bounces outof bounds on the missed shot; continuing to shoot the ball until a shotis made, wherein each shot counts as one stroke; (C) counting the numberof strokes from the second marker comprising: predicting a type of shotfrom the second marker before taking a first shot from the secondmarker, if the first shot from the first marker was made, but theprediction was incorrect; shooting a ball at a substantially cylindricalhoop from the second marker, wherein when the predicted type of shotmatches the first shot taken, the total number of strokes for theconfiguration is two strokes and the configuration is finished; shootingthe ball from one of a rebounded location, a layup location, and apredetermined location, if the shot from the second marker is missed;shooting the ball from the second marker if the ball bounces out ofbounds on the missed shot; continuing to shoot the ball until a shot ismade, wherein each shot counts as one stroke; (D) counting the number ofstrokes from the third marker comprising: shooting a ball at asubstantially cylindrical hoop from the third marker; shooting the ballfrom one of a rebounded location, a layup location, and a predeterminedlocation, if the shot from the third marker is missed; shooting the ballfrom the third marker if the ball bounces out of bounds on the missedshot; continuing to shoot the ball until a shot is made, wherein eachshot counts as one stroke; (E) totaling the number of strokes from thefirst, second, and third markers for a total number of strokes for theconfiguration. The method may also include the step of (F) rearrangingthe plurality of markers on the surface into a second configuration andrepeating step (B) through step (E) for the second configuration. Thetype of shot may include of a bank shot and a nothing but net shot. Theplurality of markers may be arranged according to a first scorecarddiagram. The game may include eighteen configurations of the pluralityof markers arranged according to eighteen scorecard diagrams, whereinstep (A) through step (E) is repeated for each configuration. It is tobe understood that any number of configurations and scorecard diagramscan be used.

One advantage of this invention is the game can be played by anyone ofany age, almost anywhere. The game can be played indoors or outdoorswith one player or with several players. The game is completely portableand all that is needed is a ball, a hoop, and markers. Players cancreate their own course based upon the skill level of the players.

Another advantage of this invention is the game is great exercise whilehaving a great time and improving shooting skills. Players can make thecourse as competitive as they want. Coaches can tailor the courses forindividual players or for specific shooting skills. Players can comparescores from specific courses.

Still other benefits and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon a readingand understanding of the following detailed specification.

III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement ofparts, embodiments of which will be described in detail in thisspecification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form apart hereof and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a scorecard for a first set of nine holes, according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 2 shows a scorecard for a second set of nine holes, according tothe embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a scorecard for a first set of nine holes, according to oneembodiment;

FIG. 4 shows a scorecard for a second set of nine holes, according tothe embodiment shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a shooting spot, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a Par 3 hole, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a continuation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a continuation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a continuation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a continuation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a Par 4 hole, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a continuation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a continuation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a continuation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a continuation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 14; and,

FIG. 16 is a continuation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 15.

IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes ofillustrating embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes oflimiting the same, and wherein like reference numerals are understood torefer to like components, a basketball and golf game can be played onmany different types and styles of basketball courts including, but notlimited to, regulation courts, playground courts, back yard courts, anddrive way courts. The game can be played almost anywhere with almost anytype of ball and any type of hoop. In one embodiment, the game is playedwith a basketball and a basketball basket or hoop. The object of thegame is to complete the course in as few strokes as possible. The coursemay have at least one hole. A player receives strokes in various ways.The rules for the game will be discussed later in more detail. The gamemay include scorecards 10, shown in FIGS. 1-4, and at least one shootingspot or marker 20, shown in FIG. 5. The shooting spot 20 may havedifferent colors to identify a specific team, and whatever shape or sizedesired.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the scorecards 10 for the game areshown according to one embodiment. Each hole or configuration on thescorecard 10 has a corresponding diagram 30 of a portion of a basketballcourt. In this embodiment, the scorecard has a scoring grid 12 similarto a golf score card. In this embodiment, the diagram 30 representsapproximately one half of a basketball court, including a three pointline 14, a hoop 16, a key 18, and top of the key arc 26. In thisembodiment, the diagrams are displayed left to right, top to bottom(although it is to be understood that the diagrams can be displayed inany manner). The three point line 14 can be any type of three point lineincluding, but not limited to, a high school three point line, aNational Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) three point line, aNational Basketball Association (NBA) three point line, a Women'sNational Basketball Association (WNBA) three point line, NationalFederation of State High School Associations (NFHS) three point line,the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) three point line, the NationalWheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) three point line, or anInternational Basketball Federation (FIBA) three point line (or anyother version of three point line desired). The key 18 may also haveseveral different dimensions including, but not limited to, a highschool key, a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) key, aNational Basketball Association (NBA) key, a Women's National BasketballAssociation (WNBA) key, National Federation of State High SchoolAssociations (NFHS) key, the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) key, theNational Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) key, or anInternational Basketball Federation (FIBA) key (or any other version ofkey desired). It is to be understood that any portion of the court usedcan be match any of the dimensions of the NCAA, WNBA, NBA, NFHS, AAU,NWBA, or FIBA. A player can arrange or configure shooting spots ormarkers 20 on each corresponding diagram 30, which are represented bynumbered marks 28. The player can designate the type of shot from eachshooting spot 20 including, but not limited to, a jump shot, a jumpstop, dribbling/passing before the shot, a dunk, a hook shot, ahalf-court shot, and any number of trick shots. The player can arrangeor configure any number of markers 20 on each diagram 30. In oneembodiment, the player arranges either three markers, four markers, orfive markers on each diagram 30. (It is to be understood, however, thatmore than five markers could be used, if desired). On the scorecard 10,the left column is for entering or inserting the names of the players orteams. One or more players or teams can play the game. The row labeled“PAR” is for entering or inserting the number of markers for eachrespective configuration or hole. For a non-limiting example, FIG. 3show a “5” for configuration or hole 5 in the row labeled “PAR” becausehole 5 has five markers, as shown on the second diagram 30 in the secondrow of diagrams. The player or team records the number of strokes for ahole or configuration in the row containing the player or team name andthe column containing the respective hole or configuration number.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, scorecards 10 are shown according toanother embodiment, in which each hole designated on the scorecards 10has an arrangement or configuration of markers prearranged with eitherthree markers, four markers, or five markers. The course may have anynumber of different configurations or holes. In the embodiments shown inFIGS. 1-4, the course has eighteen different holes. In anotherembodiment, the course has nine different holes. In another embodiment,the course has thirty-six different holes.

The course may have any Par number for the holes including, but notlimited to, Par 1, one shooting spot 20, Par 2, two shooting spots, Par3, three shooting spots, Par 4, four shooting spots, and Par 5, fiveshooting spots. The course may have all Par 2 holes, all Par 3 holes, orany combination of holes having different Par values.

The setup of the game will now be described. On a scorecard 10, writethe name of each player or team, or combinations of one or more playersand one or more teams. If the scorecard 10 has prearrangedconfigurations for the holes, then place the numbered markers 20 on thebasketball court or shooting surface according to the diagram 30 forhole number 1. If the scorecard 10 does not have prearrangedconfigurations for the holes, then a configuration for hole number 1 isentered or inserted on the diagram 30 corresponding to hole number 1,which is the first diagram 30 in the first row of diagrams. Once aconfiguration is entered or inserted on the diagram 30 for hole number1, then place the numbered markers 20 on the basketball court orshooting surface according to the diagram 30 for hole number 1. Thefirst player or team listed may shoot first from the marker 20 numbered1, or the player(s) and/or team(s) may decide the order in which theplayer(s) and/or team(s) shoot. In one embodiment, all the playersand/or teams must make their shot from the first marker (marker numbered1) before anyone shoots from the second marker (marker numbered 2). Fora non-limiting example, all players and/or teams must make their shotfrom marker number 1 before anyone can shoot from marker number 2. Inone embodiment, the player(s) and/or team(s) must shoot from theshooting spots or markers 20 in the order the markers 20 are numbered.For example, the player(s) and/or team(s) shoot from marker number 1,then marker number 2, and then marker number 3 for a Par 3 hole. Eachshot may be attempted from on or directly behind each of the markers 20.After the first hole is complete, the player or team with the lowestscore will shoot first on the next hole. For a non-limiting example, ifplayer 1 completes the hole in four strokes and player 2 completed thehole in five strokes, then player 1 will go first on the next hole.

The first turn of the game will now be described. The first playerstarts by shooting the basketball from the shooting spot 20 markednumber 1. If the player makes the shot, the player counts one stroke andmoves on to the shooting spot 20 marked number 2. In one embodiment, ifthe player misses the shot, the player must rebound the basketball.Unless the ball goes out of bounds before the player rebounds the ball,the player may choose to shoot from where the ball was rebounded, go infor a layup, or from a predetermined location. In one embodiment, theplayer must shoot from a predetermined location. If the ball goes out ofbounds before the player rebounds the ball on a missed shot, then playeradds a penalty stroke, returns to the shooting spot marked number 1, andshoots again. In one embodiment, if the player misses the rebound shot,then the player must rebound the missed shot. The player continues toshoot until the player makes a shot. Each shot counts as one stroke. Theplayer can move on to shooting spot 20 marked number 2 after the otherplayer(s) and/or teams make a shot from the shooting spot 20 markednumber 1. In one embodiment, each player or team must make a shot fromshooting spot 1 before moving on to shooting spot 2. After all theplayer(s) and/or team(s) make shots from all the shooting spots in thenumerical order of the shooting spots, then the hole is finished and theplayer(s) and/or team(s) record their stroke count on the scorecard 10.

The next turn of the game will now be described. After the player(s)and/or team(s) have completed the first hole and marked their scores onthe scorecard 10, play continues to the next hole. To setup the nexthole, place the shooting spots in the positions marked on the scorecarddiagram 30. The player or team with the lowest score for the previoushole goes first. Complete the next hole using the same procedure as theprevious hole. When finished with the hole, the player(s) and/or team(s)mark their scores on the scorecard 10. Continue setting up and playingeach hole until all the player(s) and/or team(s) have completed thecourse.

The scoring of the game will now be described. The scoring of the gameis similar to golf. Every shot counts as one stroke. Specifically, everyshot taken from a shooting spot 20 counts as one stroke; every layupshot taken counts as one stroke; every rebound shot taken counts as onestroke; every missed shot that goes out of bounds counts as one penaltystroke. Each hole is classified by it Par, which is written on thescorecard 10. Similar to golf, a player may score a Hole in One, anEagle, a Birdie, a Par, and Bogeys. A Hole in One is scored when a holeis completed in one stroke. In one embodiment for a Hole in One, theplayer must correctly predict the type of shot as either a “Bank Shot”or “Nothing but Net” on the first attempt from the first marker(shooting spot 1) on a Par 2 or Par 3 hole. If the player correctlypredicts and makes the shot on the first attempt, then the player scoresa Hole in One, records one stroke for the hole, and finishes orcompletes the hole. An Eagle is scored when a hole is completed twostrokes under or less than Par for the hole. In one embodiment for anEagle, the player must correctly predict the type of shot as either a“Bank Shot” or “Nothing but Net” on the first attempt from the secondmarker (shooting spot 2) on a Par 4 hole or on the first attempt fromthe third marker (shooting spot 3) on a Par 5 hole. In some embodiments,the player must make all previous shots without any misses to beeligible to score an Eagle. If the player correctly predicts and makesthe shot on the first attempt, the player scores an Eagle and eitherrecords two strokes for a Par 4 hole or three strokes for a Par 5 hole.The player has completed the hole. For a non-limiting example of anEagle on a Par 4 hole, the player must make the shot from the firstmarker on the first attempt and then correctly predict and make the shotfrom the second marker on the first attempt.

A Birdie is scored when a hole is completed one stroke under or lessthan Par for the hole. In one embodiment for a Birdie, the player mustcorrectly predict the type of shot as either a “Bank Shot” or “Nothingbut Net” on the first attempt from the second marker (shooting spot 2)on a Par 3 hole, on the first attempt from the third marker (shootingspot 3) on a Par 4 hole, or on the first attempt from the fourth marker(shooting spot 4) on a Par 5 hole. In some embodiments, the player mustmake all previous shots without any misses to be eligible to score aBirdie. If the player correctly predicts and makes the shot on the firstattempt, the player scores a Birdie and records two strokes for a Par 3hole, records three strokes for a Par 4 hole, or records four strokesfor a Par 5 hole. The player has completed the hole. For a non-limitingexample of a Birdie on a Par 4 hole, the player must make the shot fromthe first marker on the first attempt, then make the shot from thesecond marker on the first attempt, and then correctly predict and makethe shot from the third marker on the first attempt. A Par is scoredwhen a hole is completed with the number of strokes equal to Par. In oneembodiment, Par is scored when the player makes the first shot from eachof the shooting spots in the numerical order of the shooting spots. Fora non-limiting example of a Par score on a Par 4 hole, the player mustmake the first shot from each of the four shooting spots in thenumerical order of the shooting spots. A Par could be scored bydifferent methods. A Bogey is scored when a hole is completed one strokeover Par. A Double Bogey is scored when a hole is completed two strokesover Par. A Triple Bogey is scored when a hole is completed threestrokes over Par. At the end of nine holes, the player(s) and/or team(s)can add up the number of strokes for the front nine (OUT). At the end ofeighteen holes, the player(s) and/or team(s) add up the number ofstrokes for the back nine (IN), and then add the OUT and IN scorestogether for the final score (TOT). The player or team with the lowestscore (least amount of strokes) for the course wins the game.

Variations of the game will now be described. One variation is MatchPlay, in which the player who has the least of amount of strokes for ahole, wins the hole and receives one point. The player with the mostpoints wins the game. Another variation is Greensome, a two-on-two teamgame, in which each team chooses the best result from shooting spot 1,and then alternate shots from that point on the rest of the hole.Another variation is Stableford, in which points are awarded based uponyour score for each hole: Hole in One (8 points), Eagle (5 points),Birdie (2 points), Par (0 points), Bogey (−1 point), Double Bogey orworse (−3 points). The player with the highest score at the end of thecourse wins the game. Another variation is Alternate Shot, a two-on-twoteam game, in which the players on each team alternate shooting fromdifferent shooting spots on every hole. Each team rotates which playershoots first from each hole so the same player does not shoot from theshooting spot 1 every time. Another variation is Best Ball, in which thebest individual score among teammates is used as the team score for thehole. Those scores are applied in a stroke play format to decide whichteam wins the round. In other embodiments, almost any traditional golfgame can be played with the basketball and golf game.

Modifications of the game will now be described. The blank scorecardsshown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be used to create your own Par 36 course (18Par 2 holes), Par 54 course (18 Par 3 holes), or any number andcombination of Par 2, Par 3, Par 4, and Par 5 holes. Younger or newerplayers may move in one or more steps in front of the shooting spot 20before shooting. Players may use ball fakes, jump stops, dribble stops,make certain cuts, or receive various types of passes before shooting.In one embodiment, opposing players may not move around or talk whilethe player is shooting. In another embodiment, no physical contact isallowed between the players. In another embodiment, opposing players mayput one hand or two hands in the shooter's face. For scoring, penaltystrokes may be added for players who do not rebound the ball within oneor more bounces. In one embodiment, a penalty stroke is added for everybounce after the first bounce on a missed shot. A maximum score for ahole may be set for younger players or beginning players. Opposingplayers can predict the type of shot as either a “Bank Shot” or “Nothingbut Net” for Hole in One, Eagle, or Birdie attempts. Coaches can createcourses for players based on the player's position and monitor theplayer's improvement. For a non-limiting example, shooting guards mayplay different courses than post players. Physical Education teacherscan differentiate difficulty of courses based on grade level or studentskill set.

With reference now to FIGS. 6-10, a non-limiting example of play for aPar 3 hole will now be described. The player places shooting spots 1, 2,and 3 on the court according the diagram 30 on the scorecard 10 for thehole. The player starts at shooting spot 1. The player may predict theshot as either a “Bank Shot” or “Nothing but Net”. The player has theoption whether to predict the shot or not. If the player predictscorrectly and makes the shot, the player is finished with the hole. Theplayer scores a Hole in One for the hole and the player's score for thehole is one stroke. The player writes the number one in thecorresponding box on the scorecard 10. However, if the player makes theshot, but the prediction is incorrect, the player counts one stroke andmoves to shooting spot 2. If the player does not make the shot fromshooting spot 1, the player rebounds the ball and then either shootsfrom the location where the player rebounded the ball, goes in for alayup, or shoots from a predetermined location. If the player misses therebound shot or layup, the player continues to shoot from eachsuccessive rebound location, shoot layups, or shoot from thepredetermined location until the player makes the shot. The playercounts one stroke for every shot taken. If a missed shot goes out ofbounds, the player adds one penalty stroke and returns to the shootingspot 20 where the shot began. The player continues to shoot until theplayer makes the shot, rebound shot, or layup. When the player makes theshot, the player totals the strokes for the shooting spot 20 and thencontinues to the next shooting spot 20 until the hole is complete. Theplayer then totals the strokes from the three shooting spots and thewrites the number in the corresponding box on the scorecard 10. When theplayer makes the shot on shooting spot 1 on the first attempt, but theprediction is incorrect, the player now has a chance for a Birdie fromshooting spot 2. The player may predict the shot from shooting spot 2 aseither a “Bank Shot” or “Nothing but Net”. The player has the optionwhether to predict the shot or not. If the player predicts correctly andmakes the shot, the player is finished with the hole. The player scoresa Birdie for the hole and the player's score for the hole is twostrokes. The player writes the number two in the corresponding box onthe scorecard 10. For a non-limiting example of Par for the Par 3 hole,the player must make the first shot from each of the three shootingspots in the numerical order of the shooting spots. In one embodiment,unless the player makes a Hole in One or a Birdie on the hole, theplayer does not complete the hole until the player makes a shot fromeach shooting spot in the numerical order of the shooting spots.

With reference now to FIGS. 11-16, a non-limiting example of play for aPar 4 hole will now be described. The play is similar to the Par 3 hole.The player places shooting spots 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the court accordingthe diagram 30 on the scorecard 10 for the hole. The player starts atshooting spot 1. If the player makes the shot, the player counts onestroke and moves to shooting spot 2. If the player does not make theshot from shooting spot 1, the player rebounds the ball and shoots fromthe location where the player rebounded the ball, goes in for a layup,or shoots from a predetermined location. If the player misses therebound shot or layup, the player continues to shoot from eachsuccessive rebound location, shoot layups, or shoot from thepredetermined location until the player makes the shot. The playercounts one stroke for every shot taken. If a missed shot goes out ofbounds, the player adds one penalty stroke and returns to the shootingspot 20 where the shot began. The player continues until the playermakes the shot, rebound shot, or layup. When the player makes the shot,the player totals the strokes for the shooting spot 20 and thencontinues to the next shooting spot 20 until the hole is complete. Theplayer then totals the strokes from the three shooting spots and thewrites the number in the corresponding box on the scorecard 10. When theplayer makes the shot on shooting spot 1 on the first attempt, then theplayer now has a chance for an Eagle from shooting spot 2. The playermay predict the shot from shooting spot 2 as either a “Bank Shot” or“Nothing but Net”. The player has the option whether to predict the shotor not. If the player predicts correctly and makes the shot, the playeris finished with the hole. The player scores an Eagle for the hole andthe player's score for the hole is two strokes. The player writes thenumber two in the corresponding box on the scorecard 10. When the playermakes the shot on shooting spot 1 on the first attempt and makes theshot on shooting spot 2 on the first attempt, but the prediction forshooting spot 2 was incorrect, the player still has a chance for aBirdie from shooting spot 3. The player may predict the shot fromshooting spot 3 as either a “Bank Shot” or “Nothing but Net”. The playerhas the option whether to predict the shot or not. If the playerpredicts correctly and makes the shot, the player is finished with thehole. The player scores a Birdie for the hole and the player's score forthe hole is three strokes. The player writes the number three in thecorresponding box on the scorecard 10. For a non-limiting example of Parfor the Par 4 hole, the player must make the first shot from each of thefour shooting spots in the numerical order of the shooting spots. In oneembodiment, unless the player makes an Eagle or a Birdie on the hole,the player does not complete the hole until the player makes a shot fromeach shooting spot in the numerical order of the shooting spots. Inanother embodiment, even if the player incorrectly predicts the type ofshot at either or both shooting spot 2 and shooting spot 3, the playercan still make Par by making the first shot at each shooting spot in thenumerical order of the shooting spots.

Numerous embodiments have been described, hereinabove. It will beapparent to those skilled in the art that the above methods andapparatuses may incorporate changes and modifications without departingfrom the general scope of this invention. It is intended to include allsuch modifications and alterations in so far as they come within thescope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed:

I/We claim:
 1. A method of playing a game comprising the steps of: (A)arranging at least one marker on an associated surface into aconfiguration; (B) counting a number of strokes from the first markercomprising: shooting a ball at a substantially cylindrical hoop from thefirst marker; shooting the ball from a rebounded location if the shotfrom the first marker is missed; shooting the ball from the first markerif the ball bounces out of bounds on the missed shot; continuing toshoot the ball until a shot is made, wherein each shot counts as onestroke; and, (C) totaling the number of strokes from the at least onemarker for a total number of strokes for the configuration.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein step (A) further comprises: arranging atleast two markers on the surface into the configuration.
 3. The methodof claim 1, wherein step (A) further comprises: arranging up to fivemarkers on the surface into the configuration.
 4. The method of claim 1further comprising the step of: (D) rearranging the at least one markeron the surface into a second configuration and repeating step (B) andstep (C) for the second configuration.
 5. A method of playing a gamecomprising the steps of: (A) arranging a plurality of markers on anassociated surface into a configuration, wherein the plurality ofmarkers comprises at least a first marker and a second marker; (B)counting a number of strokes from the first marker comprising: shootinga ball at a substantially cylindrical hoop from the first marker;shooting the ball from a rebounded location if the shot from the firstmarker is missed; shooting the ball from the first marker if the ballbounces out of bounds on the missed shot; continuing to shoot the balluntil a shot is made, wherein each shot counts as one stroke; (C)counting the number of strokes from the second marker comprising:shooting the ball at the substantially cylindrical hoop from the secondmarker; shooting the ball from a rebounded location if the shot from thesecond marker is missed; shooting the ball from the second marker if theball bounces out of bounds on the missed shot; continuing to shoot theball until a shot is made, wherein each shot counts as one stroke; and,(D) totaling the number of strokes from the first and second markers fora total number of strokes for the configuration.
 6. The method of claim5 further comprising the steps of: (E) rearranging the plurality ofmarkers on the surface into a second configuration and repeating step(B) through step (D) for the second configuration.
 7. The method ofclaim 5, wherein step (A) further comprises: predicting a type of shotfrom the first marker before taking a first shot from the first marker,wherein when the predicted type of shot matches the first shot taken,then the total number of strokes for the configuration is one stroke andthe configuration is finished.
 8. The method of claim 5, wherein step(A) further comprises: predicting a type of shot from the first markerbefore taking a first shot from the first marker, wherein when thepredicted type of shot does not match the first shot, but the first shotis made, then the shooter records the score of one stroke for the firstmarker.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the type of shot is chosenfrom the group comprising a bank shot and a nothing but net shot. 10.The method of claim 8, wherein the type of shot is chosen from the groupcomprising a bank shot and a nothing but net shot.
 11. The method ofclaim 5, wherein the plurality of markers are arranged according to afirst scorecard diagram.
 12. The method of claim 5, wherein the gameconsists of eighteen configurations of the plurality of markers arrangedaccording to eighteen scorecard diagrams, and wherein step (A) throughstep (D) is repeated for each configuration.
 13. The method of claim 12,wherein the plurality of markers consists of three markers, fourmarkers, and five markers.
 14. A method of playing a game comprising thesteps of: (A) arranging a plurality of markers on an associated surfaceinto a configuration, wherein the plurality of markers comprises atleast a first marker, a second marker, and a third marker; (B) countingthe number of strokes from the first marker comprising: predicting atype of shot from the first marker before taking a first shot from thefirst marker, shooting a ball at a substantially cylindrical hoop fromthe first marker, wherein when the predicted type of shot matches thefirst shot taken, the total number of strokes for the configuration isone stroke and the configuration is finished; shooting the ball from arebounded location if the shot from the first marker is missed; shootingthe ball from the first marker if the ball bounces out of bounds on themissed shot; continuing to shoot the ball until a shot is made, whereineach shot counts as one stroke; (C) counting the number of strokes fromthe second marker comprising: predicting a type of shot from the secondmarker before taking a first shot from the second marker, if the firstshot from the first marker was made, but the prediction was incorrect;shooting the ball at the substantially cylindrical hoop from the secondmarker, wherein when the predicted type of shot matches the first shottaken, the total number of strokes for the configuration is two strokesand the configuration is finished; shooting the ball from a reboundedlocation if the shot from the second marker is missed; shooting the ballfrom the second marker if the ball bounces out of bounds on the missedshot; continuing to shoot the ball until a shot is made, wherein eachshot counts as one stroke; (D) counting the number of strokes from thethird marker comprising: shooting the ball at the substantiallycylindrical hoop from the third marker; shooting the ball from arebounded location if the shot from the third marker is missed; shootingthe ball from the third marker if the ball bounces out of bounds on themissed shot; continuing to shoot the ball until a shot is made, whereineach shot counts as one stroke; (E) totaling the number of strokes fromthe first, second, and third markers for a total number of strokes forthe configuration; and, (F) rearranging the plurality of markers on thesurface into a second configuration and repeating step (B) through step(E) for the second configuration.
 15. The method of claim 14, whereinthe type of shot is chosen from the group comprising a bank shot and anothing but net shot, wherein the plurality of markers are arrangedaccording to a first scorecard diagram.
 16. The method of claim 14,wherein the game consists of eighteen configurations of the plurality ofmarkers arranged according to eighteen scorecard diagrams, and whereinstep (A) through step (E) is repeated for each configuration.
 17. A gamecomprising: at least one scorecard, wherein the scorecard comprises: agrid for entering a number of shots taken per configuration; at leastone diagram of approximately half of a basketball court; at least oneshot position marker; and, an instruction manual.
 18. The game of claim17, wherein the grid consists of at least nine locations for enteringthe number of shots taken per configuration, and the scorecard furthercomprises at least nine diagrams of approximately half of a basketballcourt.
 19. The game of claim 18, wherein the at least one shot positionmarker is at least five shot position markers.
 20. The game of claim 19,wherein the at least nine diagrams each have a configuration of marks indifferent locations representing up to five of the shot positionmarkers.